High street bank workers

[MegCleary]

Help needed.
I popped in a few weeks ago to move money out for my children’s savings accounts to a different account with a better interest rate. At first I couldn’t as I have no active account at the bank and therefore I was told I needed my passport. Grand, went back a week later and when presented my Irish passport I was told I couldn’t was it wasn’t a British passport.
I had my UK driving licence in my bag but then that wasn’t enough ID either. Eventually someone I imagine senior photocopied my passport and and with my licence went through another system and transferred the money and closed the accounts.
The lady who had told me the first week I needed my passport was the one who started dealing with me the second week when I had brought my passport and was SOOOOOO dismissive when I handed my Irish passport over and said it’s not a British one you can’t do it. My ire was such that I don’t recall what they said or if they had a relevant answer to why I couldn’t bank with an Irish passport.
i’d love someone to explain why I couldn’t transfer the money. (In small words please)

An Irish passport shouldn't be an issue. Did you have proof of address?

I had the bank statements for the accounts in that bank I wanted to transfer the money from. It was only when I produced my UK driving licence they began to attempt to transfer then the computer said no I needed another ID and the senior fellow took over and appeared to validate my passport and transfer using another system.

Anyone

Grand then

I can't see why an Irish passport (or any valid passport) alongside address verification wouldn't have been sufficient. Is there any reason why they might have thought your passport wasn't genuine? Has your appearance changed since your photo, or your signature?

My recommendation would be to raise a complaint with the bank, and then if they can't give you a sensible answer and address the dismissive attitude of the cashier, refer the complaint onwards to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Do it sooner rather than later so the bank should have a recollection of the transaction.

Hope you get some answers, @MegCleary

Thanks, I wasn’t sure I want to complain but I do want to understand what happened.

Check on their website if they specify what is acceptable ID. If there is nothing, I suggest you complain to them.